INDEPENDENT ASSET MANAGEMENTBASED ON WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU

In the investment world, the word “fiduciary” has a particular meaning and only certain advisors pledge to uphold its requirements. Simply put, it means we place our clients’ best interests before our own, and are held to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. We have no affiliations with banks, brokers, or financial products
that could divide our loyalties.

Since our founding in 1970, we have followed the fiduciary model and have held competency, integrity, and transparency as our core values. Our team is highly skilled with advanced degrees and deep expertise in the fields of finance, business, accounting, and law. We believe our broad expertise and collaborative thinking result in better investment decisions and more meaningful solutions to a wide-range of our clients’ needs.

A TIMELINE HISTORY OF OUR FIRM

1970

1980

1982

1985

1998

2003

2006

2008

2012

2015

2016

2018

1970

The firm is founded by Lee Butler. Lee had worked for many years in the trust department of a large bank, managing and administering families’ assets across generations. He recognized the need for independence from banks, brokers, and financial products if he was going to serve as fiduciary advisor acting in the clients’ best interests.

1980

Lee’s son, Malcolm, joined the company after graduating from Duke University. Saving and investing was in Malcolm’s DNA, opening his first account when he was 12 years old.

1982

Seeing a need for greater expertise in estate and taxation matters, Malcolm entered the University of Georgia Law School.

1985

Malcolm returns to the firm after graduating with a law degree. By now, the firm’s clients were turning to Lee and Malcolm to do what has come to be known as "wealth management"—everything from investing assets and administering trusts and estates, to paying clients’ bills and overseeing family finances.

1998

Malcolm becomes President and Chief Executive Officer.

2003

Joel Goodman, who holds an MBA from Duke University and has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation, returns to Savannah with his family and joins the firm as portfolio manager.

2006

Julia Butler, with a law degree from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Wharton, joins the firm, initially as a business innovation consultant and ultimately as Chief Operating & Compliance Officer. Joel Goodman assumes the role of Chief Investment Officer.

Joel Goodman becomes an equity owner in the firm. Scott McGhie becomes an equity partner a year later.

2015

TFG enters into a strategic partnership with Focus Financial Partners LLC, a leading partnership of independent fiduciary wealth management firms. Focus partner firms maintain their entrepreneurial independence and operational control while benefitting from the synergies, scale, economics, and best practices of the market leader to achieve their business objectives. www.focusfinancialpartners.com

Starting from $40 million in assets under management and a team of 3 in 1985 when Malcolm Butler returned from law school, by 2018 the firm grew to a 13-member team managing $900 million in investment assets for more than 475 individuals, families, trusts, company retirement plans, and nonprofits. The firm also provides comprehensive fee-based financial planning. The Fiduciary Group has truly evolved from a family-owned business to a world-class business serving families and businesses for generations to come.

Independence &
Objectivity

Investment decisions and financial advice based on unbiased research and objective
analysis, deep experience and expertise, and unwavering devotion to the best interests of clients.

Teamwork &
Collaboration

Dedicated professionals with diverse skills and intellectual capital, working collaboratively to solve your problems and help you achieve your goals.

Accessible &
Relationship Driven

A team committed to developing lifelong relationships with clients that go well beyond the numbers, a team who listens, responds promptly, and cares deeply about you and what matters to you.